The Verde Valley Humane Society is in need of dog walkers to help provide their dogs the crucial time spent out of their kennel getting exercise and being socialized.
Volunteers are tasked with walking each dog for 15 to 20 minutes depending on the number of volunteers present. The shelter has about 50 dogs and around 40 of those are given daily walks. During the week, the shelter has, on average, two volunteer walkers per day, for about 20 dogs per person.
Judy Haney has been walking dogs at VVHS for eight years. She was contemplating what to do with her time after retirement and started walking dogs just on the weekend.
“By the second day I was like, this is my passion,” Haney said. “I’m going to do it no matter what.”
She said that VVHS averaged around eight volunteers per day when she started, but some of those retired and moved away.
Michelle Urban has been walking dogs for two years and is joined by her daughter, Lacee. Urban was initially hesitant to volunteer because she thought she would want to take every dog home.
“You do want to take them all home,” Haney said. “At the same time, you know you can’t take them all, but you can make their lives better while they’re there. You have to realize if you didn’t do this, the chances of them being able to get out is very slim.”
Dog walking is also good exercise, with the walkers averaging around 8 to 10 miles each day, depending on the number of volunteers present.
Volunteer Mindy Chesley said that it is important to get the dogs out every day so that they don’t deteriorate.
“I don’t think people really realize how tough the kennel situation is on the dogs,” Chesley said. “It’s tough on your heart. Then when a dog gets adopted it’s like, that’s why we’re doing this. That’s what this is all about. This is why we’re here every single day, putting our heart on the line.”
Chesley added that being a dog walker isn’t easy, as some dogs can be intimidating and the job can be physically taxing.
“The reward is really wonderful when you see a dog that gets adopted and gets to be in a nice, beautiful home, probably the best home of its life,” Chesley said. “It’s overwhelming because there’s absolutely no shortage of dogs that need our help, but if you can just help one, and then help one more, you’re making a difference in at least one dog’s life.”
“You can tell the dogs know that you care,” Haney said. “The challenge and fun of it is to be able to learn from the dogs, learn from the people you’re with and then be rewarded with dog kisses which are the best thing in the world. Seeing them get adopted is heart-wrenching but also the most wonderful feeling.”
“I love it,” Urban said. “I think it’s important. It’s good for us and we’ve made so many friends along the way.”
“The dogs that I really hurt for are the ones that have been there over a year,” said Haney, including Ivy, a young, energetic and affectionate hound. Another long termer is Austyn, a medium sized cattle dog mix. Others include Shawnee, Alina, Baldor and Ralphie who are desperately seeking adopters.
The shelter has many large dogs that take longer to get adopted, as puppies and small dogs are adopted faster.
The volunteers also complimented the kennel and front desk staff for their hard work.
In addition, volunteers can sign up to do courtyard work, overseeing the dogs when they are allowed to play in the courtyard, or to read to the dogs.
For more information, visit verdevalleyhumane.org/volunteer or email volunteerprogram@verdevalleyhumanesociety.org
